Meadow Peak Lookout
Closed — Closed for winter. Typically available for reservations from late June through the last weekend of September, weather and road conditions permitting.
R1-2024-01 Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Flood Events & Safety Reminders
Over the past week, portions of the Kootenai National Forest have experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Ross Creek Cedar Flood Update
After the recent flood events that occurred across the Kootenai National Forest, the Ross Creek Cedars unfortunately sustained significant damage. The damage is currently being assessed.
Kootenai Flood Event & Inaccessible Areas
Portions of the Kootenai National Forest have recently experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Isabella & Lost Girl Fires- Road and Trail Closure
Due to the Isabella and Lost Girl Fires on the Cabinet Ranger District, a closure order is now in effect for a portion National Forest System Road 407, National Forest System Trail #407A, and Trail #646 (St. Paul Lake Trail).
Spruce Fire Road Closure-Updated
Due to the Spruce and Spruce Ridge Fires on the Three Rivers Ranger District, a closure order is still in effect. However, the original order has been terminated and replaced with an updated closure.
South Meadow Creek Fire Closure
Due to the South Meadow Creek Fire, a closure order is now in effect for National Forest System Roads #524 and #5961, starting at the junction of the two roads to their respective ending points.
Kootenai Rails Trail Closure
A portion of the Kootenai Rails Trail (NFS Trail #255) on the Rexford Ranger District is now temporarily closed during construction activities on the Tobacco River Bridge, which is over the trail, and to protect the public on the trail from potential debris impacts.
About
Meadow Peak Lookout sits atop its namesake mountain at 6,710 feet elevation in the Purcell Range of the Rocky Mountains. This historic fire lookout has served as an observation point for over 90 years, with the current 10-foot L-4 style structure built in 1957 for $6,299. The lookout was placed on the National Historic Lookout Register in 2000 and was last actively staffed in the 1990s. The lookout offers panoramic views of densely forested peaks, the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, and Lower Thompson and McGregor Lakes. On clear nights, the remote location provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. The surrounding Libby Area features more than 400 miles of summer trails for hiking and exploration. Access to this remote rental requires careful planning. The 8.7-mile approach along Forest Road 511 is steep, narrow, and challenging, with sections of loose sharp rocks and small boulders. A high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle equipped with aggressive off-road tires is mandatory. The mountain road requires 45 minutes to an hour of careful driving from Highway 2. Cell service is available at the lookout. Wildlife in the area includes deer, elk, moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves, and mountain lions.
Directions
From Libby, follow Highway 2 East for approximately 40 miles. Near milepost 80, turn left onto Meadow Peak Lookout Road (Forest Road 511). Follow FR 511 for approximately 8.7 miles to the lookout. FR 511 is a steep, narrow gravel road with sharp rocks and loose material requiring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle with aggressive off-road tires. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour travel time from Highway 2.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.knfcontactus@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (406) 293-7773 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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